#oceanbird

They finally got the kids they always wanted! (Oh and Gwen is there too).

-Happy 30th anniversary to this amazing show!🧪🎉

Plot: Mandark (real name: Susan Astronomonov) reaches his breaking point. Tired of being forced into his parents' extreme hippie lifestyle—endless peace chants, tree-hugging sessions, recycling rituals, and "embrace the universe" meditations that clash violently with his megalomaniacal ambitions—he decides enough is enough.

In a dramatic huff, Mandark storms into his laboratory, packs his suitcases with essential evil gadgets, and orders his robotic servants and lab assistants to prepare his most grandiose escape vehicle: a full-scale replica of an ancient Japanese imperial gissha (御所車 / goshoguruma). This ornate, ox-drawn noble carriage—complete with black-and-gold lacquered wood, intricate painted panels, large spoked wheels, a small rear entry ladder, billowing kichō state curtains, and rolling sudare bamboo blinds for privacy—slowly emerges from the lab's hidden garage, pulled by a very real (and mildly bewildered) ox.

Mandark climbs inside, crosses his legs regally on a velvet cushion, and commands the blinds and curtains sealed. As the stately carriage plods through the suburban streets at a snail's pace, he peeks through the slits, smirks at the ordinary world passing by, and declares his intent to regroup at Dexter's house before resuming his quest for world domination—cackling evilly in the rocking cabin.

Meanwhile, at Dexter's home, lunch is interrupted by the absurd sight of an ox snorting at the front door. Dexter and Dee Dee rush outside to discover the elaborate gissha parked in the driveway. The robots ceremoniously raise the blinds and part the curtains, revealing Mandark lounging imperiously inside.

Mandark announces he has run away from home to escape his parents' oppressive pacifism and environmentalism. Dexter is shocked and skeptical; Dee Dee is thrilled and squeals in delight. The moment Mandark locks eyes with Dee Dee, he instantly melts—blushing, stammering, hearts in his eyes—revealing his longstanding crush in full force.

Dexter, protective and annoyed, quickly shoves Dee Dee back inside and demands an explanation. Mandark vents about Oceanbird and Windbear's "tyranny of love and harmony." Dexter suggests the obvious: Mandark should return home and actually talk to his parents (perhaps even apologize). Surprisingly, Mandark agrees—seeing it as a tactical retreat to renegotiate terms.

The gissha turns around (blinds lowered once more for privacy), and the ox plods back to the Astronomonov residence at its glacial pace.

There, Oceanbird and Windbear are frantic with worry over their missing "Susan." When the doorbell rings and they open the door to see their son step out of the imperial carriage, they rush to embrace him. In a twist of over-the-top parental guilt, they immediately promise to stop forcing the hippie lifestyle on him—they'll even support his evil schemes and help build bigger lasers if that's what makes him happy.

Mandark, completely unprepared for unconditional acceptance of his villainy, stands frozen in shock. The sheer cognitive dissonance causes him to faint dramatically into his robots' arms.

Birdflash was a bad omen, but fine. Generic and boring, but fine. We at least know that one.